The 2,816-acre Starved Rock State Park complex is one of the premier publicly held natural areas in all of Illinois. The Park displays 18 distinct canyons, cut by the Illinois River and made of St. Peter sandstone. Seasonally the canyons debut sparkling waterfalls or magnificent ice falls. As you hike along 15 miles of trails, lush vegetation supports abundant wildlife and bird population. Evidence of beavers and muskrats can be seen along the River Trail. Nuthatches and Chickadees feed on nuts, seeds and insects found in trees. Raccoons and flying squirrels can be seen gathering berries and nuts. Bright indigo buntings flit through the wild crab apple and plum trees, while cottontail rabbits scamper through the Indian grasses. White tailed deer come to munch on the sumac, and red tailed hawks soar overhead. Throughout the spring and summer, wildflowers are splendid and beautiful. The Park's state-of-the-art Visitor Center has native Illinois River fish, a replica of a native wig-wam, interactive displays, guided hikes and nature programs on a year round basis.